Athletic Director

Greater Amsterdam School District

John Salls has transformed athletics in the Greater Amsterdam School District by making every program—and every student—feel seen, supported, and valued. In a Title I community where resources are often limited, he has restored and expanded opportunities, from bringing back the swim and cheer programs and adding modified and intramural options, to running free sports clinics with the city so more kids can discover a place in athletics. John leads by example: designing a new high school gym, introducing tools like Hudl and Gipper, personally driving teams when transportation falls through, and showing up at every level of competition, including postseason meets for historically overlooked sports.

He launched academic study halls and an Athlete Leadership Club to reinforce that athletics is about character and responsibility, not just wins, and his “jack of all trades” support has made him a trusted, deeply respected champion for students, coaches, and families alike.